1985 BMW M5 vs. 1978 Volkswagen Polo
To start off, 1985 BMW M5 is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Volkswagen Polo. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Volkswagen Polo would be higher. At 3,453 cc (6 cylinders), 1985 BMW M5 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 BMW M5 (256 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 207 more horse power than 1978 Volkswagen Polo. (49 HP @ 5900 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1985 BMW M5 should accelerate faster than 1978 Volkswagen Polo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 BMW M5 weights approximately 815 kg more than 1978 Volkswagen Polo. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1985 BMW M5 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1985 BMW M5. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1978 Volkswagen Polo, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 1985 BMW M5 (290 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 213 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Volkswagen Polo. (77 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1985 BMW M5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Volkswagen Polo.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 BMW M5 | 1978 Volkswagen Polo | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | M5 | Polo |
| Year Released | 1985 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3453 cc | 1093 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 256 HP | 49 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5900 RPM |
| Torque | 290 Nm | 77 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 91.9 mm | 69.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.1 mm | 72 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1500 kg | 685 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 3510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1570 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2340 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 35 L |
